Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is also called metal inert gas (MIG) welding. In the gas metal arc welding process, the weld area is shielded by an inert atmosphere of argon, helium, carbon dioxide, or other gas mixtures. The consumable bare wire is fed automatically through a nozzle into the welding arc by a wire-feed drive motor. In addition to inert shielding gases, de-oxidizers are usually present in the electrode metal to prevent oxidation.
gas metal arc welding operation
Gas Metal Arc Welding process equipment
The temperatures generated in Gas metal arc welding are low; the GMAW method is suitable only for thin sheets and sections less than 6 mm; otherwise, incomplete fusion may occur. GMAW operation is easy to perform is commonly used for welding ferrous metals in delicate areas. Pulsed-arc systems are used for light ferrous and nonferrous metals. GMAW process is used for welding most ferrous and nonferrous metals and is used extensively in the metal fabrication industry. Because of the relatively simple nature of the process, the training of operators is easy. This process is versatile, quick, economical and welding productivity is double that of the Submerged Arc Welding process.
Limitations of Gas Metal Arc Welding:
- The maximum size of electrodes used in Gas Metal Arc welding is less than or equal to 4mm.
- Spatter loss in this process is high.
- To keep the spatter loss within the limits of 10%, the maximum thickness of the plate can be joined by using MIG welding with single-pass welding up to 30mm thickness only.
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